I've never been a particular fan of the Green Hornet.  I remember the TV show very vaguely from when it was first on and I never read the comic books.  So, I can't really say how well Seth Rogen did with this from an adaptation standpoint.

For those of you who don't know the story.  It's about a rich playboy newspaper owner who doesn't have superpowers but has a lot of fun gadgets and a chauffeur Kato that knows karate, in the TV series Kato was played by Bruce Lee.   Sounds kind of a bit like Batman doesn't it?   Well it is but it isn't.  

And I think that was part of my real problem with the movie.  It isn't enough like Batman.  In Batman, Batman is clearly the hero even when Robin is around.   In the Green Hornet it is very clear that Kato is the hero and the Hornet is just a bumbling unlikeable guy.  

Sure Rogen does give him a tiny arc toward the end but by that time the damage is done and you just end up not liking the Hornet.   Whereas, you usually end up liking Batman.    And it would be ok to not like the Hornet if he was fascinating in the things he does, but he isn't.  He's an idiot.  Kato, however, is fascinating.  Kato is clearly the center of this universe, however, the Hornet insists on taking up more screen time.

Rogen clearly wrote the Hornet for himself and he wasn't going to let any other character seem more important than his character.  And that's what kills this movie.  That and a certain amount of repetitiveness.   Otherwise this would be a pretty amusing superhero flick because it certainly had it's share of laughs.

My verdict on this one - unless you're interested in Seth Rogen don't bother.      

A lot of reviews have been saying the exact same thing as you and I'm starting to wonder if everyone's main problem with the film wasn't its prospective selling point to begin with. That is, the hero's an idiot and the sidekick's the star. Sounds like a fun idea to me. What gives?

The second major complaint has been Michel Gondry putting aside his usual quirky sensibilities but not being able to handle a supposed blockbuster. Is there any truth to this? Not only being a fan but having worked for the company that put Gondry on the map, this would sincerely bum me out.

Quoted from James McClung A lot of reviews have been saying the exact same thing as you and I'm starting to wonder if everyone's main problem with the film wasn't its prospective selling point to begin with. That is, the hero's an idiot and the sidekick's the star. Sounds like a fun idea to me. What gives?

I wouldn't have minded the plot - if the movie was about Kato - but it isn't.  His importance is clearly a side issue.  The main problem with the movie is that the main character is an idiot - then at the end, the movie tries to make him out to be redeemed and likable but it's too late so it leaves you with a sour taste.